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Itinerary n. 3 •

Following the river, the history and the adventure S. Antimo
(S. Antimo - S. Pio Loreto - Ripa - Bagno Vignoni)
livello max. m. 409 - livello min. m. 196

Roads: From S.Antimo to Bagno Vignoni on field- paths of farms This itinerary is one of the best known hiking routes among European hikers, but is quite tiring and for a bit of the trail quite strenuous. This hiking route traces an ancient mediaeval road, which was once used by S.Caterina and Charlemagne. Begin the hike at Castelnuovo Abate and walk in the direction of S.Pio Loreto. S.PioCastello di San Pio Loreto Loreto was once a Sienese fortress and is owadays a farm. The landscape around here is indeed picturesque. From here you walk down to the valley where the two rivers, the Orcia and the Asso, meet Once you have crossed the ford, situated in a wild area, you have to climb steeply uphill towards the farm of Caggiolo. The surroundings are very interesting. Walking though the woods you will come dose to the beautiful castle of Castello della Ripa with its stupendous rocky gorge. Ripa is a mediaeval castle of great character. In the XIII century castle was owned by the Salimbeni and only in the XV century did the Sienese claim victory over this rebellious feudal, which was nearly inaccessible to its enemies. During the same century the castle came into the possession of the Piccolornini. From here you have to walk uphill for a bit on the municipal road and then turn right on the ancient road which will take you to the locality Mulina. In front of the ancient mill you can still recognize the ruins of a bridge, destroyed by the flood in the XVIII century. From Mulina, following the path leading uphill, you will reach Bagno Vignoni. Bagno Vignoni is a beautiful hamlet well known forits thermal waters. The village was already well known in the Etruscan age and was visited by S.Caterina of Siena and Lorenzo dei Medici. passo passo.
 



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